New medical high school opens in SAISD

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – It’s the first day of class for students at a brand new campus in the San Antonio Independent School District and the focus is on getting young minds ready to pursue careers in the medical field.

CAST Med High School is partially funded by HEB, and while it’s located in  SAISD, any student in Bexar County can apply. Enrollment is limited to 150 freshmen this year, but Dr. Eddie Muzquiz Rodriguez, the principal, told KTSA News they have more than a dozen slots open.

The school on Louis Bauer Drive in the Brooks development area off of S.E. Military Drive eventually will be a 4-year high school, focusing on students who want to become medical and public health Professionals or biomedical researchers. The campus has the latest in high tech medical education equipment, such as the Anatomage table, which is a virtual dissection table on a life-size scale.

“We have a huge table that’s almost like an iPad. It’s a $100,000 device that allows students to study cadavers,” said Dr. Rodriguez. He says the Anatomage table was purchased with funds donated by HEB.

Because of the large population of Hispanics in this area, they also have a dual language program for the students who may be serving our community when they enter the medical workforce. Students can also earn college credits while attending CAST Med High School.

“Our students will be able to earn dual credit through our partners at Alamo Colleges, so they’re taking high school classes and earning college credits, as well,” said Rodriguez.

Julian Alvarez was the first student on the first day of classes at the brand new campus. His mother is a teacher who had to drop him off early to get to her job on time. Alvarez says he’s excited about the new school because he wants to be a doctor.

“It’s like a medical school, but it’s high school and it really helps me focus on one thing,” said Alvarez.

 

It’s not too late to apply for the 16 or so slots that are still available, but Rodriguez says the students must be genuinely interested in pursuing a medical career. Transportation is provided, but those who live outside SAISD will be picked up at a campus within the district. If you live in Bexar County outside of the district boundaries, your child will be picked up at the SAISD school nearest you.